Scott Dawson, associate professor of graphic design at CSCC, was selected to receive the 2021 Dale P. Parnell Faculty Distinction Recognition from the American Association of Community Colleges for making a difference in the classroom.
The 2021 recipients of the Dale P. Parnell Faculty Distinction Recognition, awarded by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), were announced in February. Clark State Community College associate professor and coordinator of graphic design and new media, Scott Dawson, was nominated for the award by President Dr. Jo Alice Blondin for his leadership in his department and his commitment to student success. In addition to his teaching duties, Dawson also serves in faculty leadership roles and has spearheaded a number of initiatives in his department.
In an announcement from CSCC, Dawson's contributions to the college and his students are detailed. Hired in 2005 as Director of Education and Community Outreach, Dawson has won multiple awards over the years, including the Southwestern Ohio Council of Higher Education Teaching Excellence Award and the Clark State Excellence in Teaching Award. Dr. Blondin praised Dawson's record of connecting students to careers in media and graphic design fields, "His students have risen in their careers due to his teaching and mentoring. Scott's commitment to students is inspiring, genuine and impactful."
Dawson has created two new degree programs in his time at Clark State Community College. The Associate's degree in New Media was developed as Dawson anticipated the increased use of technology in the field of digital media. The Applied Bachelor of Applied Science in Web Development and Design is an interdisciplinary degree program that combines information technology with graphic design and multimedia courses. In addition to his contributions to academics, Dawson is also active in faculty organizations. As Dr. Blondin noted when speaking about Dawson, "He currently serves as President-elect of the Faculty Senate and has championed numerous initiatives that improve the student experience, including increased technology to facilitate student transfer and course approvals, and has led efforts to establish a physical and virtual space for faculty and staff self-care."
Upon learning of the recognition, Dawson said, "I'm honored and humbled to be recognized with this national award. One of my favorite parts of working with students at Clark State is that it is equal parts teaching and service. I get to train the designers of tomorrow while helping them rise above their circumstances and succeed. I thank God for this opportunity."
Dawson will be officially recognized by the AACC in a virtual ceremony in May and will receive a custom commemorative medal.